[Yak] handlebar stem stuck - any advice for newbie

[slimmer]

I have a steering stem that sticks a bit. Initially I had to hold the 
wheel down (with my foot) and apply a couple sharp blows with a piece of 
  wood and a hammer or other heavy object. Since releasing it the first 
time I have been able to simply put my foot on the wheel and hit the 
handle bar with palm of my hand to break it loose.

max

yak-request at bikefriday.com wrote:

> Message: 1
> Date: Sat, 9 Aug 2008 12:50:46 -0700
> From: "Diana Lafornara" <dianala at gmail.com>
> Subject: [Yak] handlebar stem stuck - any advice for newbie
> To: yak at bikefriday.com
> Message-ID:
> 	<e31441d50808091250u41791b32y50b31e02a1c76435 at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
> 
> So, I tried to fold my new Pocket Llama today for the first time, and it was
> easy except the handlebar stem is stuck.Won't come out... the quick release
> is properly loose, I even loosened it some more. I imagine the first couple
> of times it might stick a little, but neither I nor my husband can get it
> out and I don't want to damage the bike.
> 
> Any tips/hints/ideas? I think the paint is possibly a bit thick possibly
> because some paint flakes came off the front fork when put the front wheel
> in as well.
> 
> Diana Lafornara